We''re honeymooning in the Maldives.

[Nicrez]

Harriet. You are so on point! I recommend Maldive Islands to everyone! My sister went there on her honeymoon, and she RAVED and RAVED.

(let me find out where she stayed...)

Nestled in the Indian Ocean, it has to be one of the most perfect Island chains in the world. I remember doing research on it as well...

Top notch choice. You get a gold star!

 

[Harriet]

Thank you, dear. Please find out where your sister stayed and do let me know if you think of any resorts.

 

[diamondfan]

do you have a good travel agent?

 

[Harriet]

I don''t have one. Can you recommend somebody?

 

[diamondfan]

not in NY. I am sure there are professional organizations for the top travel agents. We have someone we use locally and then we use someone at American Express Centurion who also helps with things too. I think a good travel agent is helpful to have when planning such trips.

 

[Harriet]

I''ll look into the travel services at AMEX Platinum (not at the Centurion level yet).

Btw, how much would a basic cream Chanel suit cost? I think that would be perfect for the courthouse, if I can swing it.

 

[poptart]

I just found these randomly last week, and I saved them because they were so cool! But here ya go, more Maldivas stuff!

 

[poptart]

another...

 

[poptart]

oooh... look at all the fishies under our feet!

 

[poptart]

looking down on perfection!

 

[diamondfan]

The suits are running 5000.00 and up. My last Chanel suit, which I just bought in January, a simple black evening suit with a bracelet sleeve, lined in white satin with jeweled black buttons and a high waisted black skirt was $5500.00...They do not necessarily do a white or off white suit each season. You have to go to the trunk shows in order to see what is coming in, where I live there are waiting lists for some of the jackets and suits and the suits and jackets never get put out on the floor. Some of the jackets alone are 5000.00 alone, minimum. The prices have really gotten out of hand, with the exchange rate...even the bags are ridiculously high. But there is nothing like one, with the cut, fabrics, the chain in the lining to weight it down...of course there are some ugly ones here and there, but overall I love them.

 

[Harriet]

Poptart,
OMG! What''s the resort''s name, do you know?

DF,
Thanks. I''ll be waiting a while then.

 

[diamondfan]

Poptart, boy that resort looks amazing!!! It is so far from the US though, and I hate to fly!

 

[poptart]

It is the Taj Exotica Resort and Spa

http://www.atollparadise.com/product.php?fldProductID=130&keyword=Taj%20Exotica

Probably costs a LOT though, but hey, if you can afford it... it looks TOTALLY worth it. The pictures are beautiful, anyway!

*M*

 

[diamondfan]

The One and Only resorts are pretty great too...the prices did not seem to bad on the website, but I would check when the weather is not good...

 

[Harriet]

Poptart, that is a useful link. So many gorgeous resorts fom which to choose. We''re currently leaning towards Huvafen Fushi:
www.huvanfenfushi.com

 

[Nicrez]

Busy day, sorry. she said it was the Taj Exotica, and they got a suite I think being their own cabana on the water? She met the couple who stayed in the presidential, and they went one night to their "room" and it was ridiculous. They had their own pool and it was totally over the top. I THINK she also stayed on Male for a few days and i want to say Paradise Island, but I have to ask her again...sorry!

She TOTALLY recommended the Taj. My friend loyally stays at their chain when he travels to India and Goa. He also stayed at the Taj when in Maldives with his wife and they loved it as well. I think there are two 9or more). One regular Taj and the other Taj Exotica. I think the Exotica is the nicer one and regular being the more affordable...

And at the time, my sister worked with Amex I think, so she used their Platinum member travel service which I would always recommend...(Centurion, if you got!) and they should be able to help with reservations! GOOD LUCK!

 

[Harriet]

Thanks! That''s the Taj Exotica pictured above, courtesy of Poptart.

 

[Phoenix]

Yes, please, Harriet. Thank you.

So many amazing choices! Have you and yr FI decided yet?

 

[Harriet]

The info is in pdf form. I don''t know how to get it to you. Do you just want the rates?

 

[Phoenix]

Yes, if you wouldn''t mind. Thank you.

 

[Harriet]

I''m cutting and pasting, so the format''s messed up:

11 Jan to
10 May
2006
11 May to
31 Jul
2006
1 Aug to
19 Dec
2006
20 Dec
2006 to
10 Jan
2007
11 Jan to
10 May
2007
11 May to
31 Jul
2007
1 Aug to
19 Dec
2007
Beach Bungalow with Plunge Pool $1000 $700 $850 $1300 $1100 $800 $900
Deluxe Beach Bungalow with Plunge Pool $1200 $900 $1080 $1700 $1300 $1000 $1200
Beach Pavilion with Private Pool $3500 $2600 $3200 $5400 $4100 $3100 $3800
Lagoon Bungalow with Plunge Pool $1400 $1200 $1300 $1800 $1500 $1300 $1400
Ocean Bungalow with Plunge Pool $1700 $1500 $1600 $2300 $1900 $1600 $1700
Ocean Pavilion with Private Pool $4000 $3000 $3500 $5800 $4600 $3500 $4300
Symphony, 70 ft Luxury Cruiser $3600 $3200 $3200 $4200 $3600 $3300 $3300

 

[Phoenix]

Wow! Thanks, Harriet.

 

[Harriet]

You''re welcome. Now come play on my Rocky Talky thread.

 

[Phoenix]

I saw that, Harriet

. Am thinking

.

 

[Harriet]

While you're thinking, what do you think of Huvafen Fushi?
Btw, are the Maldives the island chain closest to S'pore?

 

[Harriet]

Lien,

More info for you:
http://www.huvafenfushi.com/pdf/HF_Factsheet.pdf

 

[Phoenix]

Wow! Thanks, Harriet.

We still haven''t decided yet. We were dead-set on the Four Seasons and now are not so sure.

Re island chains/ resorts closest to Singapore, there are plenty, for example the Philippines and Indonesia. I guess Bali is a popular choice for a lot of holidaymakers. There are lots of beautiful islands in Indonesia too. Thailand is always nice and one of our favourites - The Banyan Tree and Chiva-Som are awesome. Mauritius is also nice but a little further out. Japan is also a group of islands and is also a popular holiday destination. Goa also has nice beaches and great heritage. The list is endless....

However, as far as high-end ultra-luxury resorts (and I think this is what you''re looking for, right?

), I personally don''t believe that you can beat the Maldives. I might be wrong here and if so, others can pls chime in.

 

[Harriet]

Hi Lien,

Are you tempted by Huvafen Fushi now?

You can check it out for me.

We were going to have a Paris reception, followed by a honeymoon in Paris then the Maldives. Since the Paris part has been scrapped (I''m going this summer instead

), we''re thinking of resort-hopping in Asia. An alternative would be a ryokan in Japan followed by the Maldives. Whatcha think?

 

[Phoenix]

Have I missed one of your threads? I''ve not logged on for several days. So you''re still going to have a reception in Paris? But this summer instead of next? That''s great. Paris is lovely and if you can do it sooner, even better

. The only thing is you know that most Parisians go to the South of France or some other holiday destinations during the summer so Paris will be relatively quiet and a lot of places will be shut. We''ve never been to Paris during the summer, only winter and spring and love it each time. This is what I believe but you may want to make sure, particularly if you''re looking for some action.

Would someone who knows this better chime in pls?

I love your idea for staying at a ryokan. Never done this ourselves/ myself but love the idea

.

Maldives is my favourite winner!

I''m talking to various places in the Maldives. Will keep you posted.